Nicola Sturgeon backs down over demand for post-Brexit powers for Scottland

The Scots' first minister delights Downing St with agreement to 'temporary restrictions' on repatriated powers

By Matt Dathan, Political Correspondent

17th March 2018,1:57 am

Updated: 17th March 2018,1:58 am

NICOLA Sturgeon blinked first in her stand off with Theresa May over devolved powers for Scotland after Brexit.

The Scottish First Minister said she was prepared to agree to Edinburgh having “temporary restrictions” on a slew of powers returning after Brexit to help “ensure an orderly departure from EU law” – to the delight Downing Street.

Welsh first minister Carwyn Jones, who stood alongside Sturgeon has now also stood down on devolving post Brexit powers

They say a “temporary restriction” on the devolved governments using some of the powers returning from the EU is “to help ensure an orderly departure from EU law” and allow common frameworks to be established.

In their letter, the First Ministers said their governments agreed common frameworks are appropriate in some cases, however they said UK ministers’ amendments would see them only “merely consulted” on these.

They have called for further amendments to ensure that the temporary restriction on devolved powers would require their consent, and any primary legislation required to establish common frameworks must be agreed by them.

They have also called for a “sunset clause” on the restrictions.

MOST READ IN POLITICS

KIDNAP ARRESTS

Armed cops arrest five on suspicion of KIDNAP in dramatic London raids

THE SUN SAYS

BREXIT BLOCK

While talks between the devolved administrations and the UK Government continue, the leaders stated that they “would be pleased to put forward detailed amendments if it proves impossible to reach agreement”.

“The two governments have also asked that the UK Government agree a level playing field and make a commitment not to bring forward legislation in respect of England in those areas where it is agreed common frameworks are to be established,” they added.

The letter to the Lords follows a meeting between the First Ministers and Theresa May earlier this week.

Speaking afterwards, Ms Sturgeon said the “issues that remain between us are not insignificant but neither are they insurmountable”, while Mr Jones said he was “hopeful” of an agreement.